Lovingston Veterinary Hospital

Lovingston Veterinary Hospital is a full-service veterinary medical facility, located in Lovingston, VA. The professional and courteous staff at Lovingston Veterinary Hospital seeks to provide the best possible medical care, surgical care and dental care for their highly-valued patients.

Please take a moment to contact us today, to learn more about our veterinary practice and to find out more information about how Lovingston Veterinary Hospital can serve the needs of you and your cherished pet.

Jessica Ligon, DVM

Veterinarian , Owner

Born & raised in Nelson County, Dr Ligon graduated from the Virginia- Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Her focus was on both small and large animals. Having been surrounded by animals her entire life, it was a natural to take over the business started by her deceased father, Dr Steuart Ligon, in the late 70's.

Now residing on the property held in the Ligon name since the King's grant, Dr Ligon is slowly building a commercial herd of beef cows, a flock of sheep and a flock of chickens. Her favorite and very handsome border collie, Flint, eagerly assists with the management of the livestock. Simultaneously Reba, the guardian dog, patrols the property constantly sounding the alarm. Feline Willie tries to convince all who arrive he belongs in their lap.

Years in Practice:

Jan 01, 2012

Education:

VMRCVM

Interests:

Farming, gardening, sheepdog trialing

Sam Altizer, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Sam Altizer, a native of
Montgomery County, Virginia, grew up and worked on his family's dairy and beef
cattle operation. After spending 11 years in the dairy industry, Dr. Altizer
began his college education in 2003 and continued to work on the family farm. He
received his bachelors degree in Animal Science in 2008 from Virginia Tech. In 2012, Dr. Altizer
graduated with his doctorate from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of
Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, Dr. Altizer completed an extensive
private practice ambulatory internship in Southwest Virginia. The knowledge and
experience Dr. Altizer gained from working on a dairy and beef cattle operation,
along with his formal education, has provided him the ability to better
understand the challenges and obstacles facing members of production based
agriculture.

Barbara Ray

A Virginia Tech Hokie, Barbara is proud mother to Dr Jessica. She is often in the back assisting where needed, deep in book keeping and occasionally answering phones.

When not in the office, Barbara can be found on her family's cattle/sheep farm in Bath County or participating at sheepdog trials somewhere in North America.

An avid border collie enthusiasts has Barbara currently serving on the board of both the United States Border Collie Handler's Association and the American Border Collie Association.

Education:

Bachelors in Biology

Adele Scheib

Receptionist

Adele Scheib and her family moved to Nelson County from Pennsylvania almost 20 years ago to pursue livestock and vegetable farming. Presently sheep, cattle, pigs and chickens reside on their farm along with the family dog and a couple of cats.

Adele started working part time for Steuart Ligon 14 years ago while also enjoying catering work. When not with the animals or cooking, she likes hiking, biking and camping

Years in Practice:

Jan 01, 2000

Amy Campbell

Receptionist

Amy was born and raised in Amherst County and graduated from the local High School. She started as a Veterinary Assistant here at Lovingston Veterinary in the 80's and remained here 2 years and then briefly worked in dentistry before going back to a veterinary assistant in Lexington for 24 years.

Amy and her husband are currently raising a son and have one dog and a cat. Amy enjoys reading, knitting and working on her farm.

Amy came back to Lovingston Veterinary about a year ago to work as a receptionist. She is very knowledgeable and helpful with not only the staff here but our clients as well.

Years in Practice:

Nov 02, 2015

Education:

Amherst County High School

Interests:

Reading, knitting and farming

Debbie Boyd

Veterinary Technician

Debbie moved to Nelson in the late 1980's from New Hampshire. It was then she made the switch to animal care from a long and talented career of Cosmetology. Having been trained by Dr Steuart Ligon, she remains a valued employee for the Hospital's second generation. Debbie mentions often how she has enjoyed watching Dr Jessica follow in her father's footsteps.

Debbie and husband Martin live on a farm packed with many of God's critters in nearby Appomattox. She enjoys the country life especially riding and caring for her treasured horses and furry dogs.

Years in Practice:

Jan 01, 2006

Marti Helbert

Veterinary Technician

A native of Nelson County, Marti graduated from the local High School and then proceeded to Virginia Tech where she received a degree in Animal & Poultry Science in 2012. After spending a year on a 2400 head sow operation in northern North Carolina, she returned back to the mountains of Central Virginia.

Marti enjoys hiking the local trails with her handsome, "Mutt of a sidekick," Linus. She loves crafting under the ever watchful eye of her feline companion Delilah. Salazar, the outside watch cat, supervises Marti's gardening skills and makes sure the property remains safe and sound. Marti is currently raising her first batch of chicks and is learning the joys of having her own little flock.

Marti is expecting to receive her license as a Veterinary Technician in the very near future.

Years in Practice:

Jan 01, 2013

Education:

Bachelors of Science in Animal and Poultry Sciences

Interests:

Hiking, crafting, gardening, kayaking

Adrienne Phaup

Veterinary Technician

Adrienne was born and lived in Nelson County for 5 years before moving to Amherst County for 18 years. She just recently moved back to Nelson County after completing her degree in Biology. She attended Central Virginia Community College before transferring to Sweet Briar College and then finishing her degree at Lynchburg College.

Adrienne has enjoyed raising chickens in the past and currently enjoys horseback riding, kayaking, reading and gardening with her little speckled canine companion "Cricket".

Adrienne plans to start the veterinary technician program this fall in order to gain her license as a technician.

Years in Practice:

Jan 01, 2014

Education:

Bachelors of Science in Biology

Interests:

Horseback riding, kayaking, reading, gardening

Kaleb Martin

Kennel Assistant

Kaleb has been in Nelson County for the past five years. He is a native to Albemarle County and graduated from Albemarle County High School. He attended Piedmont Community College and studied Electronics and Computer Science.

Kaleb enjoys P.C gaming with the company of his apricot milk snake "Henriksson Sollvander". He also enjoys working out, collecting coins, studying philosophy and spending time with his dog "Nellie".

Kaleb hopes to pursue his education and become a veterinary technician. In the mean time, he works in the kennel keeping it clean and making sure all our furry friends are happy and healthy.

Years in Practice:

Nov 02, 2015

Education:

Albemarle County High School

Interests:

Gaming, coin collection and philosophy

Fonda Bell

Veterinary Assistant

Fonda was born and raised in Nelson County and graduated from Nelson County High School. She has volunteered at Almost Home Pet Adoption Center for 8 years and is currently on the board there and retains the position of the dog intake manager. Fonda and her husband enjoy fostering dogs and puppies and have been doing so for the last 9 years.

She and her husband have also raised a son and daughter and now have a beautiful granddaughter. Fonda also has four footed children, her five dogs and one cat. She enjoys camping with her family and also has a passion for animal rescue.

Fonda started working at Lovingston Veterinary last year and has become a very valued member of our team.